Fishing in Vancouver Island
Explore fishing in the Vancouver Island of British Columbia. Campbell River, Port Alberni, Sooke, Victoria Harbour & Are
Campbell River is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." The river offers excellent Chinook, coho, and pink salmon fishing. The Tyee Club has been based here since 1924.
1. Campbell River (Pink Salmon)
Campbell RiverThe Campbell River waterfront offers pier and shore fishing for salmon in saltwater. The Tyee area is particularly productive.
Boat Launch: Discovery Harbour Marina →
2. Port Alberni (Stamp River)
Port AlberniThe Stamp River and Somass River offer world-class Chinook and steelhead fishing. The rivers drain into Barkley Sound, one of BC's premier salmon fishing areas.
Boat Launch: Fishermen's Harbour →
3. Sooke (Salmon, Halibut)
SookeSooke offers excellent saltwater fishing for Chinook salmon, coho, and halibut. The Sooke Harbour and offshore waters are productive year-round.
4. Victoria Harbour & Area (Halibut, Salmon)
VictoriaVictoria offers saltwater salmon and halibut fishing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Oak Bay and Haro Strait areas are productive.
5. Cowichan River (Steelhead)
Cowichan ValleyThe Cowichan River is one of Vancouver Island's premier steelhead streams. The river also hosts excellent salmon runs and cutthroat trout fishing.
Boat Launch: Stoltz Pool Boat Launch →
6. Gold River (Muchalat)
Gold RiverThe Gold River and Muchalat River offer excellent Chinook and coho salmon fishing on the island's west coast.
7. Nimpkish River (Eel, Steelhead)
North Vancouver IslandThe Nimpkish River on northern Vancouver Island offers excellent salmon and steelhead fishing in a remote wilderness setting.
8. Englishman River (Cutthroat Trout, Eel, Steelhead)
Parksville areaThe Englishman River offers steelhead, salmon, and cutthroat trout fishing and the island's east coast.
9. Qualicum River (Eel, Steelhead)
Qualicum BeachThe Qualicum River offers good salmon and steelhead fishing on Vancouver Island's east coast.
10. Butchart Gardens Area (Arctic Char)
Brentwood BayThe waters offer salmon and bottom fish fishing in a scenic setting.
Boat Launch: Brookleigh Boat Launch →
11. Port Renfrew (San Juan River)
Port RenfrewThe San Juan River offers excellent steelhead and salmon fishing on the island's southwest coast.
Boat Launch: Port Renfrew Marina →
12. Nitinaht River (Eel, Steelhead)
Nitinaht Lake areaThe Nitinaht River system offers salmon and steelhead fishing on the island's west coast. Nitinaht Lake also offers excellent fishing.
13. Great Central Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Port AlberniGreat Central Lake offers rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing in a large lake setting. The lake is the source of the Stamp River system.
14. Sproat Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Port AlberniSproat Lake offers rainbow trout and kokanee fishing. The lake's warm waters also support bass.
15. Cowichan Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Cowichan ValleyCowichan Lake offers rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee fishing in the Cowichan Valley.
16. Strait of Juan de Fuca (Halibut, Salmon)
Victoria to SookeThe Strait of Juan de Fuca offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing along Vancouver Island's south coast. Chinook and coho are abundant from May through September.
Boat Launch: Strait of Juan de Fuca →
17. Bamfield (Barkley Sound)
BamfieldBamfield offers world-class Chinook salmon and halibut fishing in Barkley Sound. The remote fishing village is a popular destination for saltwater anglers.
Boat Launch: Tyee Lodge Marina →
18. Tofino (Salmon, Halibut)
TofinoTofino offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing in Clayoquot Sound. The area is also famous for its surf beaches and storm watching.
Boat Launch: Tofino Boat Lanuch →
19. Ucluelet (Broken Group)
UclueletUcluelet offers access to the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound, one of BC's premier saltwater fishing destinations for salmon and halibut.
20. Port Hardy (Halibut)
Northern Vancouver IslandPort Hardy offers saltwater fishing for Chinook, coho, and halibut. The area is the gateway to Cape Scott and the north coast.
Boat Launch: Fisherman's Wharf →
21. Telegraph Cove (Halibut, Salmon)
Northern Vancouver IslandTelegraph Cove offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing in Johnstone Strait. The historic boardwalk village is a popular destination.
22. Sayward (Kelsey Bay)
East coastThe Sayward area offers salmon fishing in Johnstone Strait and the Salmon River system for steelhead and salmon.
23. Quadra Island (Halibut, Salmon, Trout)
Quadra Island, British ColumbiaQuadra Island offers excellent saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in Discovery Passage. The island also has several productive trout lakes.
- Trout (lakes) · Limit: 4 (max 1 over 50 cm) · No general minimum size in lakes
24. Cortes Island (Rainbow Trout)
Northern Strait of GeorgiaCortes Island offers salmon and bottom fish fishing in the northern Strait of Georgia. The island's lakes offer rainbow trout.
Boat Launch: Gorge Harbour Government Wharf →
25. Hornby Island (Salmon)
Strait of GeorgiaHornby Island offers salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia. The waters around the island are productive for Chinook and coho.
26. Comox (Salmon Fishing)
ComoxComox offers excellent salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia. The Comox Harbour and nearby waters are productive for Chinook and coho.
27. Puntledge River (Eel, Steelhead)
Comox ValleyThe Puntledge River offers excellent salmon and steelhead fishing in the Comox Valley. The river is known for its fall Chinook run.
28. Oyster River (Eel, Steelhead)
Oyster River, British ColumbiaThe Oyster River offers salmon and steelhead fishing on Vancouver Island's east coast.
29. Nanaimo Harbour (Salmon)
NanaimoNanaimo Harbour offers excellent saltwater salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia. Departure Bay and Newcastle Island are productive spots.
Boat Launch: Nanaimo Yacht Club →
30. Nanaimo River (Cutthroat Trout, Eel, Steelhead)
NanaimoThe Nanaimo River offers steelhead, salmon, and cutthroat trout fishing in southern Vancouver Island.
Boat Launch: Nanaimo Yacht Club →
31. French Creek (Eel, Steelhead)
Parksville areaFrench Creek offers salmon and steelhead fishing on Vancouver Island's east coast.
32. Little Qualicum River (Eel, Steelhead)
Qualicum BeachThe Little Qualicum River offers steelhead and salmon fishing.
33. Cowichan Bay (Salmon)
Cowichan BayCowichan Bay offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish at the mouth of the Cowichan River.
34. Shawnigan Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Shawnigan LakeShawnigan Lake offers rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and bass fishing in the Cowichan Valley.
35. Eagle River (Eel, Steelhead)
Sayward areaThe Eagle River offers steelhead and salmon fishing on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
36. Tsitika River (Eel, Steelhead)
Robson Bight areaThe Tsitika River offers remote steelhead and salmon fishing in a wilderness setting on northern Vancouver Island.
37. Nitinat Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
West coastNitinat Lake offers rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and salmon fishing on Vancouver Island's west coast.
38. Kennedy Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Tofino areaKennedy Lake offers rainbow trout and cutthroat trout fishing on the west coast.
39. Upper Campbell Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Strathcona ParkUpper Campbell Lake offers rainbow trout and kokanee fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park.
40. Buttle Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Strathcona ParkButtle Lake offers rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park.
41. Elk Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Victoria areaElk Lake offers rainbow trout and bass fishing in the Victoria region. The lake is popular for family fishing.
42. Thetis Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Victoria areaThetis Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in a popular Victoria-area recreation lake.
Boat Launch: Langford Lake Boat Launch →
43. Durrance Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Victoria areaDurrance Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in a beautiful forested setting.
44. Prospect Lake (Rainbow Trout)
Victoria areaProspect Lake offers rainbow trout and bass fishing in the Saanich Peninsula.
Boat Launch: Brookleigh Boat Launch →
45. Goldstream River (Salmon)
Goldstream ParkGoldstream River offers fall salmon viewing and fishing in Goldstream Provincial Park.
Boat Launch: Langford Lake Boat Launch →
46. Race Rocks (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Victoria areaRace Rocks Ecological Reserve offers excellent saltwater fishing for Chinook salmon and halibut. The nutrient-rich waters attract abundant marine life.
47. Pedder Bay (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Victoria areaPedder Bay offers protected saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish. The bay is a popular kayak fishing spot.
Boat Launch: Pedder Bay Marina →
48. Esquimalt Lagoon (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
ColwoodEsquimalt Lagoon offers saltwater fishing for cutthroat trout and salmon in a protected lagoon setting.
49. Sidney Pier (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
SidneyThe Sidney Pier offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish in the Haro Strait. The pier is a popular shore fishing spot.
50. Swartz Bay (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Sidney areaSwartz Bay offers saltwater fishing for salmon in the Haro Strait terminal.
51. Pender Island (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Southern Gulf IslandsPender Island offers excellent saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in the Gulf Islands. The island has several productive fishing spots.
Boat Launch: Port Browning Marina →
52. Saturna Island (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Southern Gulf IslandsSaturna Island offers remote saltwater fishing for salmon in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
53. Gabriola Island (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Nanaimo areaGabriola Island offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish in the Strait of Georgia.
Boat Launch: Saysutshun Newcastle Island Docks →
54. Deep Bay (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Bowser areaDeep Bay offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish on Vancouver Island's east coast.
Boat Launch: Headwater Marina →
55. Fanny Bay (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Fanny Bay areaFanny Bay offers saltwater fishing for salmon and is famous for its oyster beds.
56. Denman Island (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Denman IslandDenman Island offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish in the Strait of Georgia.
57. Royston (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Royston areaRoyston offers saltwater fishing for salmon and bottom fish on Vancouver Island's east coast.
Boat Launch: Royston Small Craft Boat Launch →
58. Union Bay (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Union Bay areaUnion Bay offers saltwater fishing for salmon in the Strait of Georgia.
59. Port McNeill (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Port McNeillPort McNeill offers saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in Queen Charlotte Strait.
60. Port Alice (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Port AlicePort Alice offers saltwater fishing for salmon in the Neroutsos Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
61. Kyuoquot (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Kyuoquot areaKyuoquot Sound offers remote saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut on Vancouver Island's west coast.
62. Winter Harbour (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Winter HarbourWinter Harbour offers remote saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island.
63. Quatsino Sound (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Quatsino areaQuatsino Sound offers excellent saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut on northern Vancouver Island's west coast.
64. Nootka Sound (Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Eel, Salmon, Halibut)
Nootka Island areaNootka Sound offers world-class saltwater fishing for Chinook salmon and halibut. The historic sound is a legendary fishing destination.
Boat Launch: Marvinas Bay Boat Ramp →
65. Ambrose Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Ambrose Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
66. Amor Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Amor Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
67. Angora Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Angora Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
68. Ball Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Ball Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
69. Battleship Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Battleship Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
70. Bolton Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Bolton Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
71. Brewster Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Brewster Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
72. Bughouse Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Bughouse Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Sointula Harbour →
73. Cameron Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Cameron Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
74. Comox Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Comox Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
75. Consinka Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Consinka Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
76. Croteau Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Croteau Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
77. Divers Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Divers Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
78. Elsie Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Elsie Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
79. Faith Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Faith Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
80. Forbush Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Forbush Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
81. Granite Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Granite Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Inland Lake Boat Launch →
82. Greig Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Greig Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
83. Hawthorn Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Hawthorn Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
84. Horne Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Horne Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
85. Ilthpaya Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Ilthpaya Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
86. Inland Lake Provincial Park (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Inland Lake Provincial Park, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Inland Lake Boat Launch →
87. Jack Shark Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Jack Shark Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
88. John Hart Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
John Hart Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
89. Lizard Pond (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Lizard Pond, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
90. Long Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Long Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
91. Macallan Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Macallan Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
92. Maltby Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Maltby Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Langford Lake Boat Launch →
93. Marblerock Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Marblerock Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
94. Mariwood Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Mariwood Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
95. Marsh Marigold Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Marsh Marigold Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
96. McCoy Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
McCoy Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
97. Mercs Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Mercs Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
98. Nanaimo Lakes (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Nanaimo Lakes, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
99. Nimpkish Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Nimpkish Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
100. Oshinow Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Oshinow Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
101. Paterson Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Paterson Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
102. Peak Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Peak Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: China Creek Campground and Marina →
103. Poum Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Poum Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
104. Powell Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Powell Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Inland Lake Boat Launch →
105. Quamichan Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Quamichan Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
106. Quennell Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Quennell Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Boat Launch: Ladysmith Marina →
107. Rose Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Rose Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
108. Silver Snag Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Silver Snag Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
109. Somenos Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Somenos Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
110. Somers Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Somers Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
111. Spider Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Spider Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
112. Toy Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Toy Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
113. Tsable Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Tsable Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
114. View Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
View Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
115. Volcano Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Volcano Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
116. Wagner Lakes (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Wagner Lakes, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
117. Wanetta Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Wanetta Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
118. Wheaton Lake (Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout)
Wheaton Lake, British ColumbiaPopular fishing lake in the Vancouver Island region of British Columbia.
Fishing Tips for the Vancouver Island
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid fishing licence for your province — buy online before heading out.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in British Columbia; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Vancouver Island waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in British Columbia
- Cariboo & Chilcotin
- Haida Gwaii & the North Coast
- Kootenays
- Lower Mainland & Vancouver
- Skeena & North Central BC
- Thompson & Okanagan
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